About the area

Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, also known as "Ski Town USA". Nestled perfectly in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Steamboat Springs is the perfect vacation getaway destination. Steamboat has incredible scenery, great local hospitality, and endless recreational opportunities. No matter what the season, spring, summer, fall, or winter, Steamboat has it all. Activities, including hiking, biking, camping, fishing and world-class skiing, are just a few. Steamboat offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, and lodging, so there's something to suit everyone. Visitors can enjoy fine, elegant dining or experience a taste of the Old West at a ranch style barbeque. Located in the midst of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Steamboat has incredible mountain scenery and is a very popular destination to enjoy the brilliant aspen fall colors. The local motto, "Come in winter, stay for summer." For more information, visit the Steamboat Chamber Resort Association website.

Clark & Hahn's Peak
A short and incredibly beautiful drive north of Steamboat will take you to the two small communities of Clark and Hahn's Peak. The area is rich in history, overflowing with gorgeous scenery, beautiful, old west ranches and great local hospitality. With an elevation of 7260 feet, this region of Northwest Colorado is beaming with incredible scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. The close proximity to Steamboat Lake State Park, Pearl Lake, Hahn's Peak Lake, along with several different streams and the roaring Elk River, make this a very popular fishing destination for both locals and tourists. The area is brimming with recreational opportunities, such as hiking, biking, ATV'ing, horseback riding, and camping. Clark, is home to the famous Clark Store, which is brimming with souvenirs and tasty snacks made fresh from their deli. Don't visit Steamboat Springs without a quick trip to "North Routt". You may not want to leave!

Routt National Forest
Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905 as the Park Range Forest Reserve, the Routt National Forest includes 1,126,346 acres of Federal lands within its boundaries. The Forest is named in memory of Col. John N. Routt, the last territorial and first state Governor of Colorado. Elk and deer are residents of the Forest during the warmer months, and drift to the lower elevations with less snow during the winter. Bear, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, coyote, and antelope may be observed on occasion, and beaver, marmot, ptarmigan, osprey, eagle, and other smaller species are present in varying numbers. Routt National Forest surrounds the Steamboat, Clark and Hahn's Peak areas giving locals and visitors endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Mount Zirkel Wilderness
With nearly 160,000 acres, Mount Zirkel Wilderness is one of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. Mount Zirkel was greatly enhanced by additions in 1980 and 1993. One significant attribute of Mount Zirkel Wilderness lies in its miles and miles of river valleys. The two major rivers in the wilderness, the Elk River and the Encampment River, have both been proposed for official designation as wild and scenic rivers by the United States Forest Service, and offer many miles of lovely valley hiking, fishing and camping. Limited and managed usage has kept this area wild and beautiful. There are over 70 lakes within the wilderness as well as 15 peaks over 12,000 feet, the highest being the 12,180 foot Mount Zirkel. Over 150 miles of trails provide summer access, and the wilderness offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities.